Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Arvada is 52% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,802/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 27%
$113,396/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 44%
$600,800 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 42%
$1,948/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 30%
122,835
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $491/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,892/year.

Median household income is $49,496/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Arvada or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Wilmington?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $491/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Wilmington?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $49,496/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arvada details → View Wilmington details →

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